AltarTips: The Importance of Consistency (And How to Get Your Family to Buy In)

​1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

​If you want to be average, at pretty much anything, you don't have to put in much effort. But if you want to be great, you have to be consistent.

Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time. - J. Maxwell

​There's a significant difference in long-term impact between having a family altar every day versus once every so often. If our boys, Levy and Seth, see us praying together, singing, and reading the Bible everyday it is more likely that they will pick up the same habits. (Not a given, of course. After all, parenting is not a formula that guarantees an outcome, it is a sacrifice that brings a harvest.) 

So, how do I lead my family in building an altar (coming in the presence of God) on a consistent basis?

​1. Start Small
Can't get through all of Psalm 119 in one sitting? Shame on you. Kidding of course! The reality is, not many of us can, especially if you have little children running around. The goal isn't to start big but to start! One verse a day for an entire year, just as an example, is much better and more meaningful than reading all four gospels in one day just to say that you did it (guilty...ahem). 

TRY IT TODAY: Read one verse together as a family. Read it aloud and take turns. (Bonus challenge step: Come up with a catchy song using the words to that verse!)

2. Establish a Time & Place
We should take our example from none other than the Lord Jesus who 'often withdrew himself to the wilderness to pray.' Do you and I have that place and time? It should be marked as sacred. Of all the meetings and activities on my agenda for the day, none are greater than meeting with my Lord and Creator! This sets the pace for everything else. If I get this wrong, nothing else matters.

TRY IT TODAY: If you haven't already, gather your family members and make it official - Tell them the (fill in the blank) will be the new meeting place for your family devotion time and you will be meeting there at so and so day/time.

3. Get Everyone Involved
​When you're first establishing a family altar you might have the tendency to hold on to the reins, albeit with good intention. With time, getting everyone involved means hearing them out and allowing them to share and contribute. It can add such a nice dynamic to your time together and you may be surprised to see how God speaks to you.

TRY IT TODAY: At some point during your family devotional, ask your spouse/son/daughter to pray, share an experience, sing or read from the Bible.

Keep the Fire Burning,
​Danny